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May 6: Facts & Historical Events On This Day

Facts & Historic Events That Happened on May 6

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May 6th is officially No Diet Day and Beverage Day.

Welcome to day 127 of 366! There are 239 days left in 2024.

Is today your birthday? Be sure to find out all the historical events that happened on this day, including events related to war, literature, music, celebrities and so much more.

Did you know that on this day in 1840, the world’s first adhesive postage stamp in a public postal system was used? It was named the Penny Black used in the United Kingdom.

Keep reading for more fun & interesting facts about May 6th in history!

Events

What memorable events happened on May 6 in history? Keep reading to find out!

2019

The UN reported that one million plant and animal species were at risk of extinction.

The rate at which plant and animal life are declining is at a level never before seen in human history, and we’re almost entirely to blame. The UN claims that it’s not too late to change this, but action needs to be taken at every level of society to make enough of a difference.

2004

The final episode of “Friends” aired.

OTD in 2004: The final episode of "Friends" aired.

The 10th season of “Friends” was it’s last. The final episode, “The One Where They Say Goodbye,” had 52.5 million viewers. It was the 5th most-watched TV finale in the history of the US and the most-watched episode of any TV series in the 2000s.

2002

Space Exploration Technologies Corporation, more commonly known as SpaceX, was founded by Elon Musk.

1997

Both Michael Jackson and the Bee Gees were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

1994

Bobcat Goldthwait was charged with two misdemeanors after setting a chair on fire during his appearance on “The Tonight Show.”

1960

United States President Eisenhower signed the Civil Rights Act of 1960.

OTD in 1960: United States President Eisenhower signed the Civil Rights Act of 1960.

This Act incurred punishment for anyone who tried to stop anyone else’s attempt to register to vote. It was written in order to handle the discriminatory laws and practices in the South, especially to protect African-American and Mexican voters.

1954

British man, Roger Bannister, became the first athlete to run one mile in less than four minutes.

1941

Bob Hope performed his first United Service Organization show at California’s March Field for service members and their families.

1937

The Hindenburg zeppelin caught fire and was destroyed while attempting to dock in New Jersey.

OTD in 1937: The Hindenburg zeppelin caught fire and was destroyed while attempting to dock in New Jersey.

To this day, we still don’t know exactly how the zeppelin caught fire, although there are many hypotheses. The catastrophe was highly publicized, which abruptly halted the airship industry.

1910

On the passing of his father, Edward VII, George V became the King of Great Britain, Ireland, and all its overseas territories.

1840

The world’s first adhesive postage stamp, the Penny Black, was used in a public postal system in the United Kingdom.

OTD in 1840: The world's first adhesive postage stamp

1835

The first issue of the New York Herald was published by James Gordon Bennett, costing 1 cent per issue.

1682

King Louis XIV made Versailles the de-facto capital of France when he moved his courts to the Versailles Palace.

While Paris remained the official capital, the relocation of the king’s government essentially made Versailles the heart of France until 1789. During these hundred or so years, Versailles was constantly improved upon by the monarchy.

1527

The Sack of Rome occurred.

14,000 German troops and 6,000 Spanish troops attacked Rome in a manner resembling the barbarian pillages about 1,000 years prior. There were only 5,000 militiamen protecting the city. The Sack of Rome is regarded as the end of the Italian High Renaissance.

Famous Births

Is today your birthday? If so, you share the same birthday with George Clooney. Here are a few other famous people born on this day.

1961

George Clooney

American

Actor

George Clooney

Age:

63 years old

Born In:

Kentucky, USA

1955

Tom Bergeron

American

TV Personality

Tom Bergeron

Age:

69 years old

Born In:

Massachusetts, USA

1953

Tony Blair

British

Politician

Tony Blair

Age:

71 years old

Born In:

Scotland, UK

1856

Sigmund Freud

Austrian

Neurologist

Sigmund Freud

Died On:

Sep 23, 1939 (Age 83)

Born In:

Freiberg, Austria

Famous Deaths

Unfortunately, May 6th has also been a day where we’ve had to say some goodbyes over the years…

1817

1862

Henry David Thoreau

American

Naturalist

Henry David Thoreau

1817

1862

Henry David Thoreau

Henry David Thoreau was an American naturalist born on July 12, 1817. He died on this day in 1862, at age 44 in Concord, Massachusetts, USA.

Died On:

May 6, 1862 (Age 44)

Died In:

Massachusetts, USA

Quotes

Memorable quotes are being said or written every day. Here we have the most notable quote ever said on this day.

1901

Genius is 1 percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration.

Thomas A. Edison

Thomas A. Edison

American Inventor

Special Holidays

Are you looking for something to do today? Well, here’s a few special days that might just give you some ideas.

May 6: National Beverage Day
United States

National Beverage Day

The beautiful thing about beverages is there’s something for everyone! Whether you like hot drinks or cold beverages, celebrate Beverage Day today by drinking your favorite beverage. So sit back today, take a sip and relax!

May 6: International No Diet Day
United States

International No Diet Day

Many of us are seemingly dieting all year round, but what if there was just one day you could eat what you like and not feel guilty about it? Your wish is our command as today is No Diet Day. We don’t need to tell you how to enjoy this one!

THe Fact Site’s

Fun Fact Of The Day

When George Washington died, Napoleon Bonaparte of France gave a personal eulogy and ordered a ten-day mourning period for France.

Birthday & Zodiac

For those of you who were born on May 6th, your zodiac sign is Taurus.

Taureans like to be in control, which makes them patient, logical, and well-grounded. They’re big thinkers and will often reflect deeply on many things in life. Taurus is an earth sign represented by the bull. Much like bulls, Taureans are known for their loyalty.

For those of you born in May, you have the Emerald birthstone. The emerald is associated with fertility, love, and rebirth and provides wisdom, growth, and patience.

People born on this day were likely conceived the previous year on August 13th.

A baby conceived on May 6th, 2024, will likely be due next year around January 27th.

Fact Check

We have a thorough fact-checking process and a dedicated team verifying our content for accuracy. But occasionally, we may get things wrong, or information becomes outdated. If you believe something to be incorrect, please leave us a message below.

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